I came to find a shoe repair shop but it was already closed. Instead, I realized that the place was right next to the traditional market, Piata Centrala. In the midst of busy walking traffic and unloading and loading of goods next to trucks, many middle-aged women were gathering around a strawberry stand. From what I understand it was the final discount of the day.@ Piata Centrala, Chisinau, Moldova, June 22, 2019
Around the very center of the capital city, I saw street vendors, selling products such as berries, lavender, and even flowers. I’m not sure if it was intentional, but each seller was about several meters from each other, and the stands were occupying minimal spaces, so the streets still seemed organized.
Chisinau is having scorching summer days now, so it must have been difficult to be just out on the street for hours during the day. And it reminded me of my grandmother when I was a kid.
@ Cathedral Park, Chisinau, Moldova, June 24, 2019
Stefan cel Mare (Stefan the great) was a prince of Moldavia and he seems to be well-liked by present Moldovans. The main avenue in the capital is named after him, and so was the central park which is located along his own avenue.
Whenever I was looking at Moldovans relaxing and chatting with others around the main fountain in the park, I could not associate the country with some of its depressing nicknames such as ‘the poorest country in Europe’ or ‘the least visited country in Europe’. I am sure there are some serious problems to solve, but what you can feel and experience in a country is often much more than what you thought you knew about it.
@Ștefan cel Mare Central Park, Chișinău, June 29, 2019
This is the main avenue in Chisinau, Stefan cel Mare. Over the last two weeks, I crossed here almost every day. Each time I crossed, the busy vibe around here gave me some excitement about new things and new people that I was about to discover.
@ Chișinău, Moldova, June 27, 2019